Wed, 06 Sep 2017 12:46:30 +0000
By Jackson Mapapayi
ZAMBIA is the most attractive investment destinations especially in mining because of the peace and tranquillity it has enjoyed since independence in 1964, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli has said.
Gen Chinkuli said without peace, FQM just like any other mining investor would not have heavily invested in Zambia.
“So, it is important that we maintain this peace so that we continue attracting more investment,” Gen Chinkuli said.
He was speaking when a team of freedom fighters from the North Western Freedom Fighters Association (NWFFA) toured Kalumbila Minerals Mine organised by the office of the Vice President in the province ahead of the 53rd independence celebrations.
Gen Chinkuli said the mining company had put in place various programmes aimed at assisting local communities living side by side with the mine.
He said life must continue on an improved scale for the local people even after the mine closed down.
Gen Chinkuli said the company’s many areas of corporate social responsibility; include endeavours in wildlife conservation to create condition for earning a living from conserving animals.
“Because naturally animal conservation creates tourism opportunities. So, tourism will become your source livelihood,” Gen Chinkuli said.
He said to develop the country, community development was very important and it required true partners in development. “What is good for FQM is actually good for Zambia, and that’s how we look at our contribution as a company,” Gen Chinkuli said.
And NWFFA chairperson Bwanga Wisamba commended FQM for the huge investment and their efforts in helping communities around through their corporate social responsibility programmes.
